Adjustably rigid floating island system

ABSTRACT

A floating island structure comprising a plurality of rectangular- and/or freeform-shaped modules and an internal linkage system; wherein the modules are comprised of nonwoven fibers; wherein the internal linkage system comprises a plurality of joiner plates and flexible or rigid tensioning members; wherein the modules are joined together by joiner plates; wherein the tensioning members are attached to the joiner plates and/or to internal plates; and wherein the joiner plates of adjacent modules are joined together to form the floating island structure. Natural and/or synthetic fibers are optionally used to fill in the cavities surrounding the tensioning members. A decking assembly is optionally installed on top of the modules to provide homogeneous or heterogeneous rigidity to the overall structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority back to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/049,417, filed on 30 Apr. 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of man-made floating islands, and more specifically, to a floating island system in which individual floating island modules are connected to one another through an internal linkage system that provides adjustable rigidity to the overall island structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

Man-made floating islands (also known as floating platforms) are currently being utilized for a wide range of applications in both freshwater and marine environments. Some examples of these floating islands include floating wetlands for wastewater treatment, floating gardens for hydroponic food production and decoration, floating bridges and walkways for transportation, and floating wildlife habitat for fish cover and waterfowl nesting.

In many of these applications, the islands are required to support relatively heavy and/or concentrated loads. For example, floating treatment wetlands may be required to support the weight of pumps, wind turbines, and emergent vegetation. Floating bridges may be required to support the temporary weight of vehicles and pedestrians (temporary or “live” loads), as well as roadways and railings (permanent or “dead” loads). In order to maintain buoyancy and prevent sagging or buckling under the loads, floating islands typically comprise internal or external stiffeners, such as boards or beams, to distribute the load weights over the surface area of the island.

In designing man-made floating islands, there are several challenges that need to be overcome. First, the islands must have sufficient buoyancy and rigidity to support the design load. Second, the islands must be capable of being transported to the deployment site and launched into the water as quickly and economically as possible. Third, the islands must have sufficient strength and durability to withstand dynamic forces produced by wind, current, waves, and design loads.

In general, there are two major categories of floating islands in the prior art: (1) islands that are constructed as a single unit (or in several relatively large segments) with internal or external load distribution components to provide the required stiffness for the structure; and (2) islands that are constructed as a set of relatively small, uniformly shaped modules that are connected at the deployment site as the island assembly is launched. Both of these island types suffer from one or more serious shortcomings, however. The large, single or multiple segment islands can be made with adequate stiffness and rigidity, but they are expensive to manufacture, inefficient to transport, and difficult to launch. In addition, these islands, which are rigid over their entire surface, are more prone to adverse wave effects than flexible islands. Totally rigid islands tend to rise out of the water and then fall abruptly when exposed to waves. These sudden movements produce large transient forces in anchor lines and cause damage to plant roots extending through the bottom surface of the island. Flexible islands, in contrast, are able to bend and follow the curvature of wave crests and troughs, and therefore do not experience the rapid and undesirable lifts and drops of rigid islands.

Modular-component islands are efficient to manufacture, transport, and deploy, but they tend to flex at the connection joints, and therefore do not provide adequate load distribution for many applications.

Floating islands that are constructed from multiple segments tend to develop gaps along their internal seams because the segments cannot be kept tightly connected during the dynamic stressing that occurs as a result of wind, current and wave action. These gaps are undesirable because they allow bedding mix or soil to escape from the top surface of the islands. Even without the stress associated with wind, current and wave action, tight seams between segments are required to prevent the loss of bedding mix or soil as a result of rainfall or snow melt. Some floating islands also tend to wear and then eventually fail at the connection points between segments because the connectors apply a concentrated stress to a small surface area of the island material along the seams.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a structure comprised of multiple modular units having novel construction and connection means that result in a large floating structure with optional, designable rigid zones and that is easy and economical to manufacture, transport, assemble and deploy. Portions of the island that require load distribution and stability (such as walkways) are made rigid, while the remaining portions of the island are constructed to have some flexibility. This amalgamation of rigid and flexible zones provides the combined advantages of load distribution and wave tolerance.

In addition, the internal linkage system of the modules results in module-to-module connections that are strong and durable under dynamic forces of wind, current, and waves. The floating islands of the present invention may be constructed so as to provide an outer perimeter that is either geometrical or freeform in shape (or a combination of geometrical on a portion of the perimeter and freeform on the remainder of the perimeter), as required for a specific application. The connection seams of the present invention remain tightly joined during flexing of the structure, thereby preventing bedding mix or soil from escaping. Furthermore, the construction methods of the present invention allow the use of inexpensive filler materials such as natural and/or man-made fibers, scrap rubber, recycled plastics and plastic trim.

The walkways of prior art floating islands are generally constructed with an air gap between the decking and the island top. This gap provides hiding places for undesirable animals such as rodents, reptiles and insects that eat island vegetation and may pose human health hazards. The walkways of the present invention eliminate this gap, thereby minimizing populations of pest animals.

Prior art floating islands that use flotation grids around, through or under the modules or structures tend to be highly buoyant around the outer perimeter and less buoyant in the center, resulting in sagging of the plant growth media within each module or structure. The present invention is comprised of modules whose buoyancy is internally distributed throughout the volume of each module (through the use of regularly spaced, preferably vertically injected, foam nodules), thereby eliminating the sagging that results from poorly distributed flotation.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular system of floating islands wherein the modules combine the economy of mass manufacture with the ability to produce large, natural, freeform assembled structures. It is a further object of the present invention to provide floating island modules that combine economical transport capability with the ability to construct very large assembled structures. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide floating island modules that comprise a variety of natural or man-made materials while maintaining structural integrity, natural appearance, and the ability to support the growth of plants and beneficial microbes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide floating islands modules that may be easily and quickly connected to achieve a selectively rigid structure. It is a further object of the present invention to provide floating island modules that can be fitted with decking that provides additional rigidity to support concentrated live and dead loads. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stiffening strut or joist system that allows for selective rigidity across the top of an island.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a joiner plate connection system with compression seals along the seams, thereby minimizing the escape of bedding mix or other fine materials. It is a further object of the present invention to provide joiner plate connections that are spread over a wide area, as opposed to prior art seams or pins that are attached at discrete intervals. Spreading the connections over a wide area eliminates localized high-stress points, which thereby reduces joint separation due to localized material failure. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a joiner plate connection system for the modular floating islands that does not occupy space on top of an island, thus providing for comprehensive, discretionary plant growth over the entire top surface of the island.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a floating island structure comprising a plurality of rectangular-shaped modules and an internal linkage system; wherein the rectangular-shaped modules are comprised of nonwoven fibers; wherein the internal linkage system comprises a plurality of joiner plates and flexible tensioning members; wherein each rectangular-shaped module has a perimeter and comprises four joiner plates oriented perpendicularly to one another around the perimeter of the rectangular-shaped module; wherein each flexible tensioning member comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to one of the joiner plates and the second end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to the joiner plate that is directly opposite the joiner plate to which the first end of the flexible tensioning member is attached; and wherein the joiner plates of adjacent rectangular-shaped modules are joined together to form the floating island structure.

In a preferred embodiment, each rectangular-shaped module comprises a top layer, a center layer, and a bottom layer, and the flexible tensioning members are situated within the center layer of the rectangular-shaped module. Preferably, each rectangular-shaped module comprises four flexible tensioning members, two of which are attached at one end to a first joiner plate and at the other end to a second joiner plate, and two of which are attached at one end to a third joiner plate and at the other end to a fourth joiner plate, and the first and second joiner plates are parallel to each other and the third and fourth joiner plates are parallel to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one flexible tensioning member is a chain and turnbuckle, and wherein initial tensioning is provided by tightening the turnbuckle. In an alternate embodiment, at least one flexible tensioning member is a chain, and the chain is attached to each joiner plate by means of shackles. In yet another alternate embodiment, at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of wire cable, and the wire cable is attached to each joiner plate by means of an eye hook. In yet another alternate embodiment, at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of polymer rope, and the polymer rope is attached to each joiner plate by means of an eye hook. In yet another alternate embodiment, at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of woven polymer strapping that passes through a slot in each joiner plate to which it is attached and is joined with a strapping clamp.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a box frame that defines a central cavity of the rectangular-shaped module. Preferably, the central cavity is filled with fiber wool, and the fiber wool comprises synthetic or natural materials or a combination of synthetic and natural materials.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, rigid beam tensioning members are used in lieu of the flexible tensioning members; each rigid beam tensioning member comprises a rigid internal beam with a first end and a second end; the first end of each rigid internal beam is attached to one of the joiner plates and the second end of each rigid internal beam is attached to the joiner plate that is directly opposite the joiner plate to which the first end of the rigid internal beam is attached; initial rigidity is provided during installation of the rigid internal beam; and the joiner plates of adjacent rectangular-shaped modules are joined together to form the floating island structure, thereby providing further rigidity to the overall structure. Preferably, the rigid internal beams are attached to the joiner plates by means of beam tensioning bolts, and angle brackets are used to connect intersections of the beams to keep the intersections square.

In a preferred embodiment, each rectangular-shaped module comprises a top layer, a center layer, and a bottom layer, and the rigid tensioning members are situated within the center layer of the rectangular-shaped module. Preferably, each rectangular-shaped module comprises four rigid tensioning members, two of which are attached at one end to a first joiner plate and at the other end to a second joiner plate, and two of which are attached at one end to a third joiner plate and at the other end to a fourth joiner plate, and the first and second joiner plates are parallel to each other and the third and fourth joiner plates are parallel to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the floating island structure further comprises a box frame that defines a central cavity of the rectangular-shaped module. Preferably, the central cavity is filled with fiber wool, and the fiber wool comprises synthetic or natural materials or a combination of synthetic and natural materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises one or more freeform-shaped modules, wherein each freeform-shaped module is comprised of nonwoven fibers; wherein each freeform-shaped module further comprises at least one joiner plate, at least one internal plate, and at least one flexible tensioning member; wherein the freeform-shaped module comprises at least one straight side, and the joiner plate is situated along the straight side of the freeform-shaped module; wherein the freeform-shaped module has an interior portion, and the internal plate is situated in the interior portion of the freeform-shaped module and is oriented so that it is parallel to the joiner plate; wherein the internal plate is held in place by at least one adhesive bond between the internal plate and the nonwoven fibers that comprise the freeform-shaped module; wherein each flexible tensioning member comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the flexible tensioning member is attached to the joiner plate and the second end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to the internal plate; and wherein the joiner plate of the freeform-shaped module is joined to the joiner plate of another freeform-shaped module or the joiner plate of a rectangular-shaped module to form the floating island structure.

In an alternate embodiment, rigid beam tensioning members are used in lieu of the flexible tensioning members; each rigid beam tensioning member comprises a rigid internal beam with a first end and a second end; the first end of the rigid internal beam is attached to the joiner plate and the second end of the rigid internal beam is attached to the internal plate; initial rigidity is provided during installation of the rigid internal beam; and the joiner plate of the freeform-shaped module is joined to the joiner plate of a rectangular-shaped module to form the floating island structure, thereby providing further rigidity to the overall structure. Preferably, the rigid internal beams are attached to the joiner plates and internal plates by means of beam tensioning bolts, and angle brackets are used to connect intersections of the beams to keep the intersections square.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a floating island structure comprising a plurality of freeform-shaped modules and an internal linkage system; wherein the freeform-shaped modules are comprised of nonwoven fibers; wherein the internal linkage system comprises a plurality of joiner plates, a plurality of internal plates, and flexible tensioning members; wherein each freeform-shaped module has at least one straight side and comprises at least one joiner plate that is situated along the straight side of the freeform-shaped module; wherein the freeform-shaped module has an interior portion, and each freeform-shaped module comprises at least one internal plate that is situated in the interior portion of the freeform-shaped module and is oriented so that it is parallel to a joiner plate of the same module; wherein the internal plate is held in place by at least one adhesive bond between the internal plate and the nonwoven fibers that comprise the freeform-shaped module; wherein each flexible tensioning member comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the flexible tensioning member is attached to a joiner plate and the second end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to an internal plate of the same module; and wherein the joiner plate of the freeform-shaped module is joined to the joiner plate of another freeform-shaped module.

In a preferred embodiment, each freeform-shaped module comprises a top layer, a center layer, and a bottom layer, and the flexible tensioning members are situated within the center layer of the freeform-shaped module. Preferably, at least one flexible tensioning member is a chain and turnbuckle, and initial tensioning is provided by tightening the turnbuckle. In an alternate embodiment, at least one flexible tensioning member is a chain, and the chain is attached to the joiner plate and the internal plate by means of shackles. In yet another alternate embodiment, at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of wire cable, and the wire cable is attached to the joiner plate and the internal plate by means of an eye hook. In yet another alternate embodiment, at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of polymer rope, and the polymer rope is attached to the joiner plate and the internal plate by means of an eye hook. In yet another alternate embodiment, at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of woven polymer strapping that passes through a slot in the joiner plate and a slot in the internal plate and is joined with a strapping clamp.

In an alternate embodiment, rigid beam tensioning members are used in lieu of the flexible tensioning members; each rigid beam tensioning member comprises a rigid internal beam with a first end and a second end; the first end of each rigid internal beam is attached to a joiner plate and the second end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to an internal plate of the same module; initial tensioning is provided during installation of the rigid tensioning member; and the joiner plate of the freeform-shaped module is joined to the joiner plate of another freeform-shaped module, thereby providing further tensioning. Preferably, the rigid internal beams are attached to the joiner plates by means of beam tensioning bolts, and angle brackets are used to connect intersections of the beams to keep the intersections square.

In a preferred embodiment, each freeform-shaped module comprises a top layer, a center layer, and a bottom layer, and the rigid tensioning members are situated within the center layer of the rectangular-shaped module. Preferably, each rectangular- or freeform-shaped module comprises a cavity surrounding each flexible tensioning member; fiber wool is packed into the cavity surrounding each flexible tensioning member; and the fiber wool comprises synthetic or natural materials or a combination of synthetic and natural materials. Preferably, each rectangular- or freeform-shaped module comprises a cavity surrounding each rigid tensioning member; fiber wool is packed into the cavity surrounding each rigid tensioning member; and the fiber wool comprises synthetic or natural materials or a combination of synthetic and natural materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a decking assembly, wherein the decking assembly comprises decking runners and lateral decking boards; wherein the decking runners are attached to the joiner plates; and wherein the decking boards are attached to the decking runners. Preferably, there is a seam between each adjoining rectangular- or freeform-shaped module, and the decking runners are situated on top of the seams between adjoining modules.

In an alternate embodiment, the present invention further comprises a decking assembly, wherein the decking assembly comprises decking runners, a grid support, and a plurality of stepping stones; wherein the decking runners are attached to the joiner plates; wherein the grid support is attached to the decking runners; wherein each rectangular- or freeform-shaped module is comprised of a top layer of nonwoven matrix; and wherein the stepping stones are attached to the grid support and/or the top layer of the nonwoven matrix. Preferably, there is a seam between each adjoining rectangular- or freeform-shaped module, and the decking runners are situated on top of the seams between adjoining modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a floating island structure that is comprised of a plurality of rectangular modules and a plurality of freeform modules.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a floating island structure that is comprised of a plurality of standard size freeform modules.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a floating island structure that is comprised of non-standard size freeform modules.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a rectangular module.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the center layer of a rectangular module.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section elevation view of a rectangular module.

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of the center layers of two floating island modules that have been connected.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the center layer of a freeform module.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section elevation view of two connected rectangular modules with walkway components attached to the top surface.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of two connected rectangular modules that have been joined with a decking runner that sits directly on top of the modules.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section elevation view of a rectangular module with a decking runner that sits directly on top of the module.

FIG. 12 is a cross-section elevation view of a first alternate embodiment of a tensioning member.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section elevation view of a second alternate embodiment of a tensioning member.

FIG. 14 is a cross-section elevation view of a third alternate embodiment of a tensioning member.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a walkway decking assembly for the decking shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a walkway decking assembly for the decking shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a decking assembly for the decking shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a decking assembly for the decking shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the decking assembly in which the decking assembly comprises a single decking runner.

FIG. 20 is a cross-section elevation view showing a method of attaching the stepping stone of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a cross-section elevation view showing a method of attaching the stepping stone of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a cross-section elevation view showing a method of attaching the stepping stone of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a floating island structure in which a selected portion of the structure has been made rigid, and the remainder of the structure remains relatively flexible.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a floating island structure in which the entire surface has been made homogeneously rigid.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of the center layer of a rectangular module that has rigid beam tensioning members.

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a male joiner plate and a female joiner plate with a friction-fit decking bracket.

FIG. 27 is a cross-section elevation view of a male joiner plate and a female joiner plate, showing the tensioning mechanism.

FIG. 28 is a cross-section elevation view of a male joiner plate and a female joiner plate, showing the intra-module webbing and slots.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   -   1 Floating island structure     -   2 Rectangular module     -   3 Freeform module (standard size)     -   4 Island structure comprised of standard size freeform modules     -   5 Joiner plate     -   6 Seam     -   7 Island structure comprised of non-standard size freeform         modules     -   8 Non-standard size freeform module     -   9 Restraining bolt for tension member     -   10 Hole for joiner plate connection bolt     -   11 Top module layer     -   12 Center module layer     -   13 Bottom module layer     -   14 Tensioning member     -   15 Turnbuckle     -   16 End wall     -   17 Side wall     -   18 Hole or slot in matrix     -   19 Central cavity     -   20 Box frame     -   21 Compression gap     -   22 Connection bolt     -   23 Freeform outer edge     -   24 Internal plate     -   25 Decking runner     -   26 Decking center bracket     -   27 Decking end bracket     -   28 Decking bolt     -   29 Air gap     -   30 Decking board     -   31 Chain tensioning member     -   32 Shackle     -   33 Wire cable or polymer rope     -   34 Eye hook     -   35 Polymer strapping/intra-module webbing strap     -   36 Strapping clamp     -   37 Grid support     -   38 Stepping stone     -   39 U-bolt     -   40 Injection hole     -   41 Nodule of injected foam     -   42 Partially rigid island structure     -   43 Homogeneously rigid island structure     -   44 Rigid beam tensioning member     -   45 Beam tensioning bolt     -   46 Angle bracket     -   47 Male joiner plate     -   48 Female joiner plate     -   49 Friction-fit decking bracket     -   50 Inter-module webbing strap slot     -   51 Intra-module webbing strap slot     -   52 Decking bracker receiver hole     -   53 Protrusion     -   54 Positioning hole     -   55 Inter-module tensioning strap     -   56 Strap clamp

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

In the present invention, each of the floating island module components comprises a plurality of horizontal, flexible (or, in an alternate embodiment, rigid) tensioning members that are partially pre-stressed during manufacture and further stressed when the modules are connected. These internal tensioning members provide a durable and rigid mechanism for attaching joiner plates to each module. The joiner plates of adjoining modules may be quickly bolted together to provide a strong and simple method for connecting multiple modules together. In zones of the floating island structure where additional rigidity is desirable, stiffening struts or joists may be placed on the top surface or bottom surface of the structure, and these stiffeners (also called decking runners) may be connected to the joiner plates of two or more adjoining modules. The decking runners may be placed so that all of the modules are rigidly attached to form a homogeneously rigid structure, or alternately, the decking runners may be placed so that only a portion of the structure is stiffened.

In a preferred embodiment, the modules that comprise the interior of a multiple-module floating structure are made in identical geometric configuration. Where a freeform shape of the assembled structure is required, the outer modules of the structure are individually shaped so as to connect to an adjoining module on the inner side(s), while having a freeform (curved) shaped on the edge(s) that form a portion of the outer perimeter of the assembled island structure. The identical internal modules are suitable for mass manufacturing methods and are, therefore, relatively inexpensive to construct. In addition, their dimensions may be chosen so as to provide efficient stacking and packing for transport in trucks and marine containers. The standard size freeform modules are adaptable to efficient manufacture because they have similar internal construction regardless of outer shape (see FIG. 8). The standard size freeform modules are also relatively efficient to ship because each module may be designed to fit within the same space as that occupied by a geometric module. (As used herein, the term “standard size” means that the freeform module fits within the outline of a rectangular module, as shown in FIG. 2. The rectangular modules could be of any dimension, however. As used herein, the term “rectangular” includes square.)

The outer layers (top layer, bottom layer, and sides) of each module are preferably comprised of nonwoven fibers that are packed and/or intertwined to form a three-dimensional shape (hereinafter referred to as “matrix”) that is porous and permeable. The individual fibers are optionally covered with a protective coating made from latex or polyurea to improve the quality of the matrix by increasing the tensile strength, to provide a desired color, and/or to protect the matrix from the deleterious effects of ultraviolet light. The matrix is injected with adhesive that penetrates the matting and fills a portion of the void space between the fibers, bonding the fibers and thereby providing mechanical strength to the matrix. In a preferred embodiment, the injected adhesive is made of closed cell foam, which provides buoyancy in addition to adhesion.

In a preferred embodiment, pieces of matrix (“fiber wool”) are packed into the interior portion of the floating island module. Fiber wool is used in this manner because it is flexible and easily shaped, and it is easy to pack into the cavities around the tensioning member components. Fiber wool can be produced (in a mechanical shredder) from trim pieces of matrix that are produced during normal manufacturing of the modules; using this scrap material as filler reduces the manufacturing cost of the product and minimizes waste production from the manufacturing operation. Because the majority of the volume of the module is comprised of nonwoven fiber material (either matrix or fiber wool), the module is porous and permeable to water and gasses.

After the module is assembled, discrete shots of uncured closed-cell foam are injected into the module, where the foam expands and cures in place around the nonwoven fibers, thereby forming foam nodules. These nodules provide buoyancy for the structure, as well as bonding the layers and wool pieces together. Because the cured foam occupies only a portion of the interior volume of the module (typically about 5% to 50%), the module retains its porosity and permeability after the foam has been installed. Due to this inherent porosity and permeability, the modules provide excellent growth habitat for macrophytes and bacteria, both of which can be useful for removing excess nutrients and particulates from the water body. Alternately, for applications where maximum buoyancy is desirable and where porosity and permeability are not important (for example, floating bridges), foam may be injected so that after curing, the foam occupies a majority of the available interior volume of the module (for example, 50% to 100%).

The fibers comprising the matrix and fiber wool may be composed of either synthetic or natural materials or a combination of these materials. Suitable synthetic materials include polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Suitable natural fibers include jute, coir, cotton, hemp, rockwool and fiberglass. The fiber wool is optionally manufactured from scrap materials such as chopped matrix, chopped coir matting, or shredded beverage bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (also called “PETE”). In addition, other inexpensive filler materials, such as scrap rubber, wood chips and straw, can be packed into the central cavity of the module.

Most natural fibers are biodegradable. For applications in which floating islands are used to biologically remove excess nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate, the natural fiber fillers can provide a source of organic carbon that is required by beneficial bacteria in order to break down the nutrients. In addition, natural fibers are typically the least expensive materials that can be used as filler for the islands. Scrap rubber (from automobile tires), while not rapidly biodegradable, provides a very inexpensive and durable filler that acts as a substrate for beneficial biofilms for biological removal of waterborne contaminants.

Each floating island module optionally comprises an inner box frame that is placed around the central cavity. The box frame provides additional rigidity to the module and also forms a barrier around the cavity to prevent the escape of fine filler materials such as peat, sawdust or shredded scrap plastic. The box frame may be comprised of wood, polymer lumber, aluminum plates or sheeting, and/or polymer sheeting.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a floating island structure 1 that is comprised of a plurality of rectangular modules 2 and a plurality of standard size freeform modules 3. Although the modules may theoretically be produced in any size, one typical module size is 5 feet long, 5 feet wide and 7 inches thick. Although the structure shown in FIG. 1 is comprised of a plurality of rectangular modules 2 and a plurality of standard size freeform modules 3, the present invention may also be comprised of a plurality of rectangular modules only or a plurality of freeform modules only.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate two types of structures that are comprised of freeform modules only. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an island structure 4 that is comprised of a plurality of standard size freeform modules 3, in which each standard size freeform module 3 fits within the shape of a standard rectangular module 2. The joiner plates 5 of each module and the seams 6 between adjacent modules are shown. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an island structure 7 that is comprised of two freeform modules 8, in which the freeform modules 8 do not fit within the shape of a particular rectangular module size. This embodiment, utilizing custom-shaped modules, may be advantageous for constructing islands having particularly odd shapes (for example, very long and narrow island structures). The attachment system for these custom islands is the same as the systems used for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a rectangular module 2, showing the joiner plate 5, tensioning member restraining bolts 9, joiner plate connection bolt holes 10 (through which the connection bolts 22, shown in FIG. 5, are inserted), top module layer 11, center module layer 12, and bottom module layer 13. The top module layer 11 and bottom module layer 13 are preferably comprised of a blanket of nonwoven matrix material.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the center layer 12 of a rectangular module. Shown are the joiner plates 5, restraining bolts 9, tensioning members 14, optional turnbuckles 15, compressible end walls 16, side walls 17, holes or slots in matrix 18, central cavity 19 and an optional box frame 20. The tensioning members 14 are comprised of materials that are flexible but non-stretchable and are used to draw opposing joiner plates 5 together, causing the end walls 16 and side walls 17 to be pulled inward, thereby providing rigidity to the module. The tensioning members 14 and turnbuckles 15 are connected to the joiner plates 4 via holes or slots 18 that are cut through the end walls 16 and side walls 17. The turnbuckles 15 are used to provide initial tensioning of the tensioning members 14 if required by drawing opposing joiner plates inward toward each other, while final tensioning is applied when adjacent modules are connected (see description of FIG. 7). The optional box frame 20 adds rigidity to the module, while simultaneously preventing the escape of fine particles of filler material (not shown) from the central cavity 19. For clarity, the central cavity 19 is shown to be empty in this figure; in practice, it is filled with fiber wool (or, as noted above, other inexpensive filler materials) after the tensioning members are installed. Also shown is the compression gap 21, which is reduced to zero as two adjoining modules are bolted together (see FIG. 7 for additional description). In this embodiment, the tensioning member 14 is comprised of chain. Alternate tensioning member systems are shown in FIGS. 12-14.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section elevation view of the center layer of the rectangular module shown in FIG. 5 taken at Section AA, with the top layer 11 and the bottom layer 13 installed, thereby forming a rectangular module 2. As shown in this figure, the top layer 11 and the bottom layer 13 extend across the module, forming the central cavity 19. The joiner plates 5 are shown extending vertically from top to bottom of the module; these may optionally be shortened (not shown) so that they have less height than the module.

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of the center layer 12 of two modules that have been connected. (The optional box frame 20 has been omitted in this drawing for clarity.) The modules are connected by inserting the connection bolts 22 through the connection holes 6 (not shown) in the joiner plates 5 and tightening the bolts 22. When the bolts 22 are tightened, the joiner plates 5 are drawn together, thereby compressing the material comprising the end walls 16. The force produced during compression of the end walls 16 as the bolts 22 are tightened results in progressively greater tension force in the tensioning members 14 of each module. When the bolts 22 are fully tightened, the joiner plates 5 are pressed together, the tensioning members 14 are under maximum tension, and the end walls 16 are pressed together and compressed. In order to allow hand access for tightening the connection bolts 22, access holes (not shown) may be cut vertically downward through the top layer to the connection bolt 22. The access holes may optionally be filled with bedding soil and planted after the structure is assembled.

Note that in FIG. 7, the joiner plates on adjacent modules are shown as being exactly lined up with one another. The joiner plates do not need to be precisely lined up, however, as long as a portion of the joiner plates on adjacent modules overlaps such that the joiner plates can be joined together.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the center layer of a standard size freeform module 3. The module shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the module in the upper right corner of the structure shown in FIG. 1. This module comprises a freeform outer edge 23, as well as two straight sides that are identical to the straight sides of the module shown in FIG. 5. Joiner plates 5 are secured to the module via turnbuckles 15 and tensioning members 14. For the standard size freeform module 3, the tensioning members 14 are secured to internal plates 24 as shown. The internal plates 24 are surrounded by fiber wool that is packed into place around them. After the top lay and bottom layer (not shown) are attached to the center layer, uncured closed-cell foam is injected (preferably vertically) through the module, where the uncured foam penetrates the fibers of the wool and the fibers of the top and bottom layers and flows into contact with the internal plates 24. When the foam expands and cures, it provides an adhesive bond between the internal plates 24, the fiber wool, and the top and bottom layers. The foam forms a rigid solid when cured. The combination of adhesive bonding and added rigidity from the cured foam act to lock the internal plates 24 in place, thereby preventing their movement when the tensioning members 14 are tightened.

FIG. 8 is intended to illustrate generally how the joiner plates and internal plates work in connection with a freeform module, but the present invention is not limited to any particular shape for a freeform module or any particular configuration for the internal plates. There may be one or more joiner plates on each connecting side of a module, depending on the size of the module and the intended application of the assembled structure. Each freeform module comprises a minimum of one joiner plate. Each rectangular module comprises a minimum of four joiner plates. Large modules may require more than one joiner plate per connecting side; for example, if the structure shown in FIG. 3 has a seam length of 20 feet, it may require four joiner plates per module along the joining seam, with each joiner plate having a length of about three to five feet. For other applications, the lengths of the joiner plates may range from about 0.5 feet to about 20 feet.

As previously described, island structures that are comprised of a group of connected modules may be selectively stiffened (i.e., the top surface may be made so as to carry heavy loads without sagging). The selective stiffening may be installed over a portion of the top surface or over the entire top surface by attaching stiffening struts (or decking runners) at proper intervals across some or all of the top or bottom surface. One common embodiment of a selectively stiffened island is a structure that comprises a rigid walkway. In this embodiment, the decking runners provide stiffening and load distribution, while the lateral decking boards provide secure footing.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section elevation view of two connected rectangular modules 2 with walkway components attached to the top surface of the modules. In this embodiment, the walkway is comprised of decking runners 25 that are attached to the joiner plates 5 by means of a decking center bracket 26 and decking end brackets 27, which are connected to the decking runners 25 by decking bolts 28. The decking center bracket 26 and end brackets 27 are installed by pushing them down over the top of the joiner plates 5. A portion of the matrix material is cut away from each top layer 11 to provide space for the brackets 26, 27; no other modifications to the rectangular modules 2 are required to install a walkway. The decking runners 25 may be comprised of wood, polymer, wood/polymer composite, or other standard decking material. The center and end brackets 26, 27 may be comprised of molded or machined thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, aluminum, or stainless steel. The decking bolts 28 may be comprised of nylon, steel, stainless steel, aluminum or brass. The compressive and tensile strength of the decking runners 25 and brackets 26, 27 provide additional stiffness and load distribution to the floating island structure, which additional stiffness and load distribution helps to support live loads. Note that this method of construction results in an air gap 29 between the walkway and the top layer 11 of the floating island module.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of two connected rectangular modules 2 that have been joined with a decking runner 25 that sits directly on top of the modules, thereby eliminating the air gap 29 of the design shown in FIG. 9. Elimination of the air gap 29 is beneficial in some applications because gaps can provide hiding areas for undesirable animals such as snakes, mice and roaches.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section elevation view of the structure shown in FIG. 10, taken at Section AA. As shown, decking runners 25 are connected to joiner plates 5 via connection bolts 22. A portion of the matrix material of the top layer 11 is removed by cutting to provide for clearance of the decking runner 25 and connection bolt 22, so that the decking runner 25 sits directly on top of the end wall 16, causing the bottom surface of the decking boards 30 to sit directly on the top surface of the top layer 11, thereby preventing any air gaps between the top layer 11, decking runner 25 and decking boards 30.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are cross-section elevation views of three designs for tensioning members that are alternatives to the chain and turnbuckle system shown in FIGS. 5-11. FIG. 12 shows a tensioning member comprised of a chain 31 connected to joiner plates 5 by means of shackles 32. FIG. 13 shows a tensioning member comprised of wire cable or polymer rope 33 connected to joiner plates 5 by means of eye hooks 34. FIG. 14 shows a tensioning member comprised of woven polymer strapping 35 that passes through slots (not shown) in joiner plates 5 and is joined with a strapping clamp 36. The tensioning mechanisms for the examples shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 do not have a pre-tensioning adjuster (for example, a turnbuckle); to install these tensioning members, the modules are temporarily compressed either manually or with an external compression tool (not shown) while the tensioning members 31, 33, or 36 are attached to the joiner plates 5. The tensioning members shown in FIGS. 3-9 and 12-14 are examples of systems that are suitable for pre-tensioning the modules (final tensioning is discussed in connection with FIG. 7 and is the same regardless of the type of tensioning member used); however, there may be other durable and flexible materials that are suitable for use as tensioning members.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views of two alternative walkway decking assemblies for the decking shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 15 shows a conventional board walkway in which lateral decking boards 30 are attached to the decking runners 25. The decking boards 30 may be composed of wood, polymer, or polymer/wood composite. FIG. 16 illustrates walkway decking in which a grid support 37 is used as a base to connect stepping stones 38 to decking runners 25. As shown, the stepping stones 38 have a significant thickness (for example, one to 12 inches) so that they extend a significant distance above the support grid 37. A method of attaching the stepping stones to the structure is shown in FIG. 19. When this “step-stone decking” is installed on a module assembly, the spaces between the stepping stones 38 are preferably filled with peat, sod, bedding plants and/or gravel to produce a visual appearance of natural stones set into natural soil or grass.

The stepping stones 38 may be composed of polymer or polymer foam, composite polymer/wood lumber, polymer lumber, wood, stone, or cement that has sufficient strength to support foot traffic. The grid support 37 may be constructed of aluminum rods, polymer-coated steel wire, or molded polymer. The construction methodology illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 results in an air gap underneath the decking or step stones because of the decking runners. This void space may optionally be filled with sprayed-in polyurethane foam, which adds additional reserve buoyancy to the structure and eliminates hiding spaces for undesirable animals.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views of two alternative decking assemblies for the decking shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 17 shows a board walkway in which lateral decking boards 30 are connected between decking runners 25, so that the lateral decking boards 30 and decking runners 25 are set flush on the top surface of modules with no air gap between these components. FIG. 18 shows a series of stepping stones 38 that are attached to a grid support 37. In FIG. 18, the spaces between stepping stones 38 are filled with peat, sod, bedding plants and/or gravel, to produce a visual appearance of natural stones set into natural soil or grass. The construction methodology illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 eliminates void space between the decking/step stones and the underlying island surface, but open pore spaces in the island matrix material itself may provide covered hiding spaces for insects underneath the decking or step stones. These pore-space hiding areas may be eliminated by injecting a layer of polyurethane foam into the matrix beneath the decking/stepping stones, thereby creating foamed zones, so that the foam penetrates two to ten inches into the matrix and fills all of the matrix pore spaces within the foamed zones. In addition to eliminating the open pore spaces, the foam serves to bond the decking/stepping stones to the island matrix while providing additional reserve buoyancy to the structure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative decking assembly, which comprises a single decking runner 25. This embodiment is installed on a group of assembled modules by setting decking runner 25 on top of the seam between adjoining modules. The grid support 37, which is the same as the grid support shown in FIG. 18, helps to stabilize the stepping stones 38 by transferring a portion of the live load to the top of the modules on which the grid support 37 is resting. As in the previous embodiments, the spaces between the stepping stones 38 may be filled with peat, sod, bedding plants and/or gravel, to produce a visual appearance of natural stones set into natural soil or grass.

FIG. 20 is a cross-section elevation view showing a method for attaching the stepping stone 38 of FIG. 16 to the grid support 37. As shown, U-bolts 39 pass around bars from the grid support 37 and through holes (not shown) drilled in the stepping stone 38, thereby attaching these two components.

FIG. 21 is a cross-section elevation view showing a method for attaching the stepping stone 38 of FIG. 18 to the top layer 11 of a module. The stepping stone 38 is secured to the top layer 11 of a module by injecting uncured closed-cell foam into the top layer 11 through an injection hole 40, thereby forming a nodule of injected foam 41 that bonds to the lower surface of the stepping stone 38 while also penetrating into the matrix fibers of the top layer 11, where it cures in place. In addition to bonding the stepping stone 38 to the top layer 11, the foam nodule 41 also provides strength, rigidity and buoyancy beneath the stepping stone.

FIG. 22 is a cross-section elevation view showing a method for attaching the stepping stone 38 of FIG. 19 to the top layer 11 of a module. A slot 18 is cut into the matrix of the top layer 11 in order to receive a decking runner 25. Uncured closed-cell foam is injected into the matrix fibers of the top layer 11 via injection holes 40, thereby forming a nodule of cured foam that bonds to the lower surface of the stepping stone 38 while also penetrating into the matrix fibers of the top layer 11, where it cures in place. In addition to bonding the stepping stone 38 to the top layer 11, the foam nodule 41 also provides strength, rigidity and buoyancy beneath the stepping stone.

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate the difference between a partially rigid island structure and a homogeneously rigid island structure. FIG. 23 is a plan view of a partially rigid island 42 that has two decking runners 25 installed across the top surface of the structure. The decking runners 25 will be used to support a walkway (not shown) that will be attached to the decking runners. In this embodiment, the decking runners 25 provide stiffness and load distribution (i.e., a rigid zone) for the walkway only; other portions of the island surface do not contain stiffeners (or decking runners) and are, therefore, relatively flexible. FIG. 24 is a plan view of a homogeneously rigid island 43 that has decking runners 25 installed over the top of each module seam across the entire top surface of the structure. In this embodiment, the entire structure has been stiffened due to the uniformly distributed decking runners 25.

FIG. 25 illustrates the use of rigid beams (or rigid beam tensioning members) in lieu of the flexible tensioning members in a rectangular module, for the purpose of increasing the rigidity of the module. FIG. 25 is a plan view of the center layer 12 of a rectangular module that comprises rigid internal beams (or rigid beam tensioning members) 44. In this embodiment, the rigid internal beams 44 are connected to the joiner plates 5 via the beam tensioning bolts 45, which screw into threaded holes on the ends of the rigid internal beams 44. The angle brackets 46 are used to connect intersections of the beams 44 in order to the keep the intersections square. When the beam tensioning bolts 45 are tightened, opposing end walls 16 and side walls 17 are drawn toward the center of the module, thereby causing the module to gain rigidity. When multiple modules having rigid internal beams are connected at their joiner plates to form a floating island assembly, the rigid internal beams of the adjoining modules are effectively joined, thereby providing rigidity to the assembled island structure. This embodiment may be advantageous for applications in which maximum rigidity of the assembled floating island is more important than flexibility of a portion of the structure; for example, when the floating island is used as a bridge for automobiles in calm waters.

Floating island structures assembled from the module embodiment of FIG. 25 may optionally be provided with additional stiffness by installing decking as described in connection with FIGS. 15 through 22. The cross-sectional shape of the rigid internal beams 44 may be rectangular, I-beam shaped, or round. An example of a suitable material having a rectangular cross-section is polymer-wood composite decking lumber. An example of a suitable material having an I-beam cross-section is EXTREM™ fiberglass I-beams manufactured by Strongwell, Inc. of Chatfield, Minn. An example of a suitable material having a round cross-section is recycled polymer fence posts.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the joiner plates used to connect two modules. Shown are the male joiner plate 47, the female joiner plate 48, and the friction-fit decking bracket 49. Each joiner plate comprises two inter-module webbing strap slots 50, two intra-module webbing strap slots 51, and one decking bracket receiver hole 52. In addition, the male joiner plate 47 comprises two protrusions 53, which fit into positioning holes 54 within the female joiner plate 48 when the two joiner plates are connected, thereby causing the two plates to be drawn into proper alignment when they are connected. In this embodiment, the decking runner 27 (not shown) would attach to the joiner plates 47, 48 by inserting the decking runner 27 into the decking bracket 49 and attaching it to the decking bracket 49 with screws or bolts. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the friction-fit decking bracket 49 is eliminated, and decking runners are installed directly into grooves that are formed into the top surfaces of the joiner plates.

FIG. 27 is a cross-section elevation view of the male joiner plate 47 and the female joiner plate 48 taken at section line A of FIG. 26, with the two joiner plates connected. The inter-module tensioning strap 55 is used to manually draw the joiner plates 47 and 48 together, after which the strap clamp 56 is clamped around the tensioning strap 55 while the tensioning strap 55 is manually held under tension. The residual tension in the inter-module tensioning strap 55 that exists after the clamp 56 is tightened causes the two joiner plates 47 and 48 to be held together under tension, which provides a strong and rigid means for connecting two modules.

As shown, the protrusion 53 of the male joiner plate 47 fits into the positioning hole 54 of the female joiner plate 48 when the two plates are drawn together. In FIG. 27, the two joiner plates are shown slightly separated for clarity; however, in practice, the two joiner plates are in contact when they are connected. The strap clamp 56 may optionally be replaced by tying a knot in the tension strap 55. The joiner plates 47 and 48 are preferably manufactured by injection molding and are comprised of thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or poly-urea.

FIG. 28 is a cross-section elevation view of the male joiner plate 47 and the female joiner plate 48 taken at section line B of FIG. 26, with the two joiner plates connected by the means shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 shows that intra-module webbing strap slots 51 are used to recess the intra-module webbing straps 35 into their respective joiner plates 47 and 48, thereby allowing the joiner plates to contact each other without pinching the webbing straps 35. The surfaces of the intra-module webbing slots 51 are rounded at locations that come into contact with the intra-module webbing straps 35 in order to minimize abrasion to the intra-module webbing straps 35. The intra-module webbing straps 35 are used to provide internal tension for their respective modules, as shown in FIG. 14.

As an alternative embodiment to the joiner plate configuration shown in FIG. 27, adjacent joiner plates may be constructed so as to have one or more protrusion and one or more connecting hole per plate, rather than the plates shown, which have either protrusions only or connecting holes only.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A floating island structure comprising a plurality of rectangular-shaped modules and an internal linkage system; wherein the rectangular-shaped modules are comprised of nonwoven fibers; wherein the internal linkage system comprises a plurality of joiner plates and flexible tensioning members; wherein each rectangular-shaped module has a perimeter and comprises four joiner plates oriented perpendicularly to one another around the perimeter of the rectangular-shaped module; wherein each flexible tensioning member comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to one of the joiner plates and the second end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to the joiner plate that is directly opposite the joiner plate to which the first end of the flexible tensioning member is attached; and wherein the joiner plates of adjacent rectangular-shaped modules are joined together to form the floating island structure.
 2. The floating island structure of claim 1, wherein each rectangular-shaped module comprises a top layer, a center layer, and a bottom layer; and wherein the flexible tensioning members are situated within the center layer of the rectangular-shaped module.
 3. The floating island structure of claim 1, wherein each rectangular-shaped module comprises four flexible tensioning members, two of which are attached at one end to a first joiner plate and at the other end to a second joiner plate, and two of which are attached at one end to a third joiner plate and at the other end to a fourth joiner plate; and wherein the first and second joiner plates are parallel to each other and the third and fourth joiner plates are parallel to each other.
 4. The floating island structure of claim 1, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is a chain and turnbuckle, and wherein initial tensioning is provided by tightening the turnbuckle.
 5. The floating island structure of claim 1, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is a chain, and wherein the chain is attached to each joiner plate by means of shackles.
 6. The floating island structure of claim 1, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of wire cable, and wherein the wire cable is attached to each joiner plate by means of an eye hook.
 7. The floating island structure of claim 1, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of polymer rope, and wherein the polymer rope is attached to each joiner plate by means of an eye hook.
 8. The floating island structure of claim 1, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of woven polymer strapping that passes through a slot in each joiner plate to which it is attached and is joined with a strapping clamp.
 9. The floating island structure of claim 1, further comprising a box frame that defines a central cavity of the rectangular-shaped module.
 10. The floating island structure of claim 9, wherein the central cavity is filled with fiber wool; and wherein the fiber wool comprises synthetic or natural materials or a combination of synthetic and natural materials.
 11. The floating island structure of claim 1, wherein rigid beam tensioning members are used in lieu of the flexible tensioning members; wherein each rigid beam tensioning member comprises a rigid internal beam with a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of each rigid internal beam is attached to one of the joiner plates and the second end of each rigid internal beam is attached to the joiner plate that is directly opposite the joiner plate to which the first end of the rigid internal beam is attached; wherein initial rigidity is provided during installation of the rigid internal beam; and wherein the joiner plates of adjacent rectangular-shaped modules are joined together to form the floating island structure, thereby providing further rigidity to the overall structure.
 12. The floating island structure of claim 11, wherein the rigid internal beams are attached to the joiner plates by means of beam tensioning bolts; and wherein angle brackets are used to connect intersections of the beams to keep the intersections square.
 13. The floating island structure of claim 11, wherein each rectangular-shaped module comprises a top layer, a center layer, and a bottom layer; and wherein the rigid tensioning members are situated within the center layer of the rectangular-shaped module.
 14. The floating island structure of claim 1, wherein each rectangular-shaped module comprises four rigid tensioning members, two of which are attached at one end to a first joiner plate and at the other end to a second joiner plate, and two of which are attached at one end to a third joiner plate and at the other end to a fourth joiner plate; and wherein the first and second joiner plates are parallel to each other and the third and fourth joiner plates are parallel to each other.
 15. The floating island structure of claim 11, further comprising a box frame that defines a central cavity of the rectangular-shaped module.
 16. The floating island structure of claim 15, wherein the central cavity is filled with fiber wool; and wherein the fiber wool comprises synthetic or natural materials or a combination of synthetic and natural materials.
 17. The floating island structure of claim 1, further comprising one or more freeform-shaped modules, wherein each freeform-shaped module is comprised of nonwoven fibers; wherein each freeform-shaped module further comprises at least one joiner plate, at least one internal plate, and at least one flexible tensioning member; wherein the freeform-shaped module comprises at least one straight side, and the joiner plate is situated along the straight side of the freeform-shaped module; wherein the freeform-shaped module has an interior portion, and the internal plate is situated in the interior portion of the freeform-shaped module and is oriented so that it is parallel to the joiner plate; wherein the internal plate is held in place by at least one adhesive bond between the internal plate and the nonwoven fibers that comprise the freeform-shaped module; wherein each flexible tensioning member comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the flexible tensioning member is attached to the joiner plate and the second end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to the internal plate; and wherein the joiner plate of the freeform-shaped module is joined to the joiner plate of another freeform-shaped module or the joiner plate of a rectangular-shaped module to form the floating island structure.
 18. The floating island structure of claim 17, wherein rigid beam tensioning members are used in lieu of the flexible tensioning members; wherein each rigid beam tensioning member comprises a rigid internal beam with a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the rigid internal beam is attached to the joiner plate and the second end of the rigid internal beam is attached to the internal plate; wherein initial rigidity is provided during installation of the rigid internal beam; and wherein the joiner plate of the freeform-shaped module is joined to the joiner plate of a rectangular-shaped module to form the floating island structure, thereby providing further rigidity to the overall structure.
 19. The floating island structure of claim 18, wherein the rigid internal beams are attached to the joiner plates and internal plates by means of beam tensioning bolts; and wherein angle brackets are used to connect intersections of the beams to keep the intersections square.
 20. A floating island structure comprising a plurality of freeform-shaped modules and an internal linkage system; wherein the freeform-shaped modules are comprised of nonwoven fibers; wherein the internal linkage system comprises a plurality of joiner plates, a plurality of internal plates, and flexible tensioning members; wherein each freeform-shaped module has at least one straight side and comprises at least one joiner plate that is situated along the straight side of the freeform-shaped module; wherein the freeform-shaped module has an interior portion, and each freeform-shaped module comprises at least one internal plate that is situated in the interior portion of the freeform-shaped module and is oriented so that it is parallel to a joiner plate of the same module; wherein the internal plate is held in place by at least one adhesive bond between the internal plate and the nonwoven fibers that comprise the freeform-shaped module; wherein each flexible tensioning member comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the flexible tensioning member is attached to a joiner plate and the second end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to an internal plate of the same module; and wherein the joiner plate of the freeform-shaped module is joined to the joiner plate of another freeform-shaped module.
 21. The floating island structure of claim 20, wherein each freeform-shaped module comprises a top layer, a center layer, and a bottom layer; and wherein the flexible tensioning members are situated within the center layer of the freeform-shaped module.
 22. The floating island structure of claim 20, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is a chain and turnbuckle, and wherein initial tensioning is provided by tightening the turnbuckle.
 23. The floating island structure of claim 20, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is a chain, and wherein the chain is attached to the joiner plate and the internal plate by means of shackles.
 24. The floating island structure of claim 20, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of wire cable, and wherein the wire cable is attached to the joiner plate and the internal plate by means of an eye hook.
 25. The floating island structure of claim 20, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of polymer rope, and wherein the polymer rope is attached to the joiner plate and the internal plate by means of an eye hook.
 26. The floating island structure of claim 20, wherein at least one flexible tensioning member is comprised of woven polymer strapping that passes through a slot in the joiner plate and a slot in the internal plate and is joined with a strapping clamp.
 27. The floating island structure of claim 20, wherein rigid beam tensioning members are used in lieu of the flexible tensioning members; wherein each rigid beam tensioning member comprises a rigid internal beam with a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of each rigid internal beam is attached to a joiner plate and the second end of each flexible tensioning member is attached to an internal plate of the same module; wherein initial tensioning is provided during installation of the rigid tensioning member; and wherein the joiner plate of the freeform-shaped module is joined to the joiner plate of another freeform-shaped module, thereby providing further tensioning.
 28. The floating island structure of claim 27, wherein the rigid internal beams are attached to the joiner plates by means of beam tensioning bolts; and wherein angle brackets are used to connect intersections of the beams to keep the intersections square.
 29. The floating island structure of claim 27, wherein each freeform-shaped module comprises a top layer, a center layer, and a bottom layer; and wherein the rigid tensioning members are situated within the center layer of the rectangular-shaped module.
 30. The floating island structure of claim 1, 17 or 20, wherein each rectangular- or freeform-shaped module comprises a cavity surrounding each flexible tensioning member; wherein fiber wool is packed into the cavity surrounding each flexible tensioning member; and wherein the fiber wool comprises synthetic or natural materials or a combination of synthetic and natural materials.
 31. The floating island structure of claim 11, 18 or 27, wherein each rectangular- or freeform-shaped module comprises a cavity surrounding each rigid tensioning member; wherein fiber wool is packed into the cavity surrounding each rigid tensioning member; and wherein the fiber wool comprises synthetic or natural materials or a combination of synthetic and natural materials.
 32. The floating island structure of claim 1, 11, 17, 18, 20 or 27, further comprising a decking assembly, wherein the decking assembly comprises decking runners and lateral decking boards; wherein the decking runners are attached to the joiner plates; and wherein the decking boards are attached to the decking runners.
 33. The floating island structure of claim 32, wherein there is a seam between each adjoining rectangular- or freeform-shaped module; and wherein the decking runners are situated on top of the seams between adjoining modules.
 34. The floating island structure of claim 1, 11, 17, 18, 20 or 27, further comprising a decking assembly, wherein the decking assembly comprises decking runners, a grid support, and a plurality of stepping stones; wherein the decking runners are attached to the joiner plates; wherein the grid support is attached to the decking runners; wherein each rectangular- or freeform-shaped module is comprised of a top layer of nonwoven matrix; and wherein the stepping stones are attached to the grid support and/or the top layer of the nonwoven matrix.
 35. The floating island structure of claim 34, wherein there is a seam between each adjoining rectangular- or freeform-shaped module; and wherein the decking runners are situated on top of the seams between adjoining modules. 